This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Take the CME quiz:
 Vol. 20 No. 4, October 2008
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Eichenwald, E. C.
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Eichenwald, E. C.

AAP Grand Rounds 20:38-39 (2008)
© 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics

PERINATOLOGY/INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Cost-Effectiveness of HSV Diagnostics & Treatment Strategies in Febrile Neonates

Source: Caviness AC, Demmler GJ, Swint M, et al. Cost-effectiveness analysis of herpes simplex virus testing and treatment strategies in febrile neonates. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(7):665–674; doi:10.1001/archpedi.162.7.665[Abstract/Free Full Text]

The first 20% of the full text of this article appears below.


PICO

Question: Among neonates with fever without source, what are the relative effectiveness and costs of available HSV testing and treatment strategies?

Question Type: Cost-effectiveness

Study Design: Decision analysis

 

To determine the optimal approach for diagnosing and treating febrile neonates for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, investigators from the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital conducted a decision analysis including four clinical decision strategies for a hypothetical febrile neonate (rectal temperature ≥38°C) without specific signs or symptoms of HSV infection.

The four strategies included: 1) HSV testing and empirical treatment while awaiting test results; 2) HSV testing and then treatment only if HSV test results were positive or symptoms and signs of HSV developed; 3) empiric HSV treatment alone without testing; and 4) no HSV testing or treatment unless signs and symptoms of HSV developed.

Two different testing approaches were analyzed: A) detection of HSV DNA in CSF by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and B) comprehensive evaluation including PCR testing for . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Eric C. Eichenwald, MD, FAAP
Neonatology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX